The Decision

I’m giving you fair warning now; I’m on my soapbox.

I heard something the other day and thought I needed to add my two bobs worth, after all, we’re all entitled to an opinion, and I’m about to voice mine. I was listening to a video where a person was talking about whether or not you paid for the on the job training of your VA. It was their opinion that you did NOT. On the job training was undertaken by the VA without charge to the client.

If I’m not clear above, I’ll make it clear here.

The expectation was that Virtual Assistant’s work for free while doing on the job training. How does that work? How do you have someone learn on the job while doing the tasks you need them to do, but not paying them for it? This also goes for any business, whether you have a front door for customers to walk in or a virtual one.

VA stands for Virtual Assistant in the context of this blog post,  not ‘Volunteer Assistant’. Your Virtual Assistant or your team member should not be forced into having to make a decision to work for free.

So here’s my opinion for what it’s worth.

The contractor responsibilities

• If you are contracting a Virtual Assistant, who has never done any sort of VA work before … that is not the VA’s issue, it’s your issue.  This is where JMJ – EA for a Day’s VA training comes in, and you can find out more about that by having a chat with me.
• If you are contracting a Virtual Assistant, who is experienced, however, needs training in a system or program that is specific to your business. You pay them while they train!
• If you are contracting a Virtual Assistant, who is new to the industry, DO NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT.
• You get what you pay for; we’ve all heard this. When you contract to a Virtual Assistant, you need to be aware that you are forming a contractual relationship with them.
• You pay your Virtual Assistant for all works undertaken and on time.

The Virtual Assistant’s responsibilities

• You should be skilled up to begin with in all ‘general’ areas of administration. You should be comfortable using MS or IOS operating systems or both. You should also be knowledgeable enough to know when someone is trying to manipulate you.
• You should be able to consult up to your client, know your stuff, be confident and authoritative.
• You should continue to up skill, and pursue personal development every chance you get for both yourself, and your business at your expense.
• You should be up front with your client and let them know your capabilities.
• You’re a business owner, not an employee. How many business owners do you know who work for free? Don’t count pro bono clients either. That’s your choice where you support charity.

What do you think? What’s your opinion? Do you think a VA should work for free?  Please leave a comment below.